McCain, though, offered a sternly intelligent and self-aware reasoning behind shunning e-mail. He explained: "I have other people and I tell them to email because I am just always worried I might say something. I am not the most calm and reserved person, you know? I am afraid I might email something that in retrospect I wish I hadn't."

There's a beautiful wisdom in this. Every communication technology seems to be set up for an instant response. It's hard when you get an e-mail not to reply -- which, for some people, means to react without necessarily thinking.

More Technically Incorrect

McCain is known for his reactive nature. In a recent Senate hearing, when some protested the presence of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, McCain offered observations such as "Shut up or I'll have you arrested" and "low-life scum."

It's one thing to hear those things said, but when they're written down they take on a certain gravity and permanence.